MS HB926

Consolidates Holmes County School District and Durant Public School District into a single Holmes County Consolidated School District effective July 1, 2018, with central administrative office in Lexington, Mississippi.

Requires State Board of Education to oversee consolidation process and call for special election in November 2017 to elect new five-member county board of education from single-member districts aligned with supervisor district lines.

Mandates appointment of financial advisor/facilitator by Mississippi Department of Education to oversee budgeting and financial matters for up to three years, with superintendent and board members personally liable for unapproved expenditures.

Transfers all real and personal property from abolished former school districts to the new consolidated district and limits consolidated district administrative leadership to superintendent and one assistant superintendent maximum.

Prohibits closure of school facilities except for unneeded administrative offices, and requires cooperation between former districts for program planning and curriculum alignment during transition.